Mount Vernon Nazarene University will serve as the venue for the 2025 Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) District 10 middle school and high school honors bands on Saturday, December 6. The event will bring together over 200 student musicians from eight counties—Ashland, Coshocton, Delaware, Holmes, Knox, Licking, Morrow, and Richland—and nearly 60 schools.
The program will begin with instructional sessions for both the middle school and high school bands. The day will conclude with a concert at 3:30 p.m. in the R.R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium. Admission to the concert is free and open to all.
Eligibility for participation in the OMEA Honors Band requires students to be nominated by their music directors. High school students must also submit an audition including scales and an etude excerpt. Selected students take part in a rehearsal one week before the performance.
This year’s guest clinician for the high school band is Scott A. Jones, professor of music at The Ohio State University. He also serves as associate director of bands and directs the Lawrence and Isabel Barnett Center for Integrated Arts and Enterprise. According to the release, “His primary teaching responsibilities include conducting the Symphonic Band and leading the undergraduate conducting curriculum. Interdisciplinary partnerships are frequent in Jones’ teaching and creative work. Collaborative partners with ensembles under his direction have included visual artists, composers, folk artists, literary arts, digital media, dancers and choral ensembles.” The statement adds that “Jones is also an active guest conductor with engagements that regularly include all-state and honor bands, as well as international opportunities throughout Asia.”
Dr. Ishbah Cox will lead instruction for the middle school band as clinician. The press release notes: “Dr. Cox is a conductor, educator and arranger with more than 20 years of university and public-school experience. He is currently the director of wind ensembles at Capital University and previously served as director of bands at Olentangy Orange High School in Lewis Center.” Dr. Cox’s academic background includes degrees from Auburn University (music education), University of Alabama (music performance), and Ball State University (Doctor of Arts in wind conducting).
More information about Mount Vernon Nazarene University's music department can be found at https://www.mvnu.edu/music.
